North Shore Rescue is reminding hikers to be prepared after two frustrating rescues on Sunday.
In both cases, the hikers didn’t let anyone know where they were going, and searchers say both situations were likely preventable.
The first rescue got underway in the afternoon when a man from Seattle got lost near Hollyburn Ridge. The hiker said he expected a marked trail, but instead found snow and got stuck on a cliff.
He was walked out by searchers.
A few hours later, crews were called for a pair of hikers lost on Mount Seymour.
While the duo did have supplies, they didn’t begin their trek until 4 p.m.
“We went too late into the hike. Should have done it a bit earlier but we kind of messed up,” said the rescued hiker, who identified himself only as Alex.
Alex said it got dark sooner than they expected, and they became lost while they were walking back down.
The duo did have flashlights, extra food and water, as well as extra clothes.
“We came pretty prepared, should have started a bit earlier and tried to follow the markers more than we did,” he said.
Search manager Peter Haigh said the trail on Seymour is well-marked, but it appears the men missed the trailhead and ended up in a creek because they were rushing to beat the light.
“In their rushing they weren't following the markers, so you need to follow markers well,” he said.
The lost hikers tried to follow footprints out, but they ended up following bear tracks instead.
“When they got down a little further, they decided they’d better call for help,” he said.
Haigh said the men were lucky to get cell reception in that area, and one of their phones didn’t get a signal whatsoever.
North Shore Rescue has already had 48 search calls so far this year.
With a report from CTV Morning Live’s Sheila Scott
